wish

A feeling that you want something to happen or want to have something.

• She expressed a wish to travel.
• We must respect his wishes.
• Their shared wish for peace brought them together.

How to use it: wish for something (She expressed a wish for more privacy.); wish to do something (His wish to return home grew stronger.)

Similar words: desire, hope

Common phrases: express a wish, wish for something, against your wish

Something you ask to happen, often while imagining that magic might make it happen.

• Close your eyes and make a wish.
• The fairy granted him three wishes.
• What was your birthday wish?

Common phrases: make a wish, grant a wish, birthday wish

Something you very much want to have or happen.

• My greatest wish is a peaceful life.
• His dearest wish was to see his children again.
• At last, all her wishes had come true.

How to use it: wish is to do something (Her greatest wish is to visit Japan.)

Similar words: dream, desire

Common phrases: dearest wish, greatest wish, fulfil a wish

To want things to be different, although changing them may be unlikely or impossible.

• I wish I had a bike.
• She wished she could fly.
• Do you wish you had stayed at home?

How to use it: wish + past tense (I wish I knew the answer.); wish + past perfect (She wishes she had studied harder.); wish + would (I wish the neighbours would turn their music down.)

Similar words: long

Common phrases: wish you were, wish you could, wish something would

To want something or want to do something.

• You can stay if you wish.
• She wishes to change her booking.
• What more could anyone wish for?

How to use it: wish to do something (I wish to speak to the manager.); wish for something (They wished for a quieter life.)

Similar words: want, desire

Common phrases: wish to leave, wish for something, if you wish

To say that you hope someone has happiness, success, or another good thing.

• I wish you good luck.
• Everyone wished her a happy birthday.
• We wish him every success in his new job.

How to use it: wish someone something (We wish you a safe journey.)

Common phrases: wish someone luck, wish someone well, wish someone success